Policing is an issue worthy of our vote

The electoral campaign machine grinds to a halt again this week as the county’s new police and crime commissioner is elected. Not that there is much evidence that a such significant position is about to be decided by voters. Like it or not, the commissioner’s role is an important one. As an elected representative, the successful candidate will also be far more accountable than many other public servants. Aside from a few press announcements – and the controversy surrounding one wannabe nominee – there appears to have been very little drum-banging, campaigning and electioneering. Compare that to 12 months ago when councils and our Westminster candidates were chosen and the two ballots are remarkably different. This could even be dubbed as the ‘what election?’ Most may have heard of Ann Barnes – maybe for the wrong reasons rather than the right ones – but do they know what they’re voting for? In 2012, less than a fifth of Kent’s population voted to put Mrs Barnes into office. But what of the 84% of the electorate who did not bother to go to the polls then grumbled about the policies or actions of Kent Police? Whether or not the issues at the heart of the election matter strongly to electors, if they do not take their opportunity to help shape the way policing is done in the county, they have less right to complain when things go against their wishes. Policing is ultimately a massive issue in any community but even more so in Kent where there are so many contentious issues – ports, security and the everlasting Operation Stack debate, to name but a few. Full details of the candidates are at www.choosemypcc. org.uk/area/kent